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In An Emergency, You Can’t Respond Effectively If You’re Not Ready

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In An Emergency, You Can’t Respond Effectively If You’re Not Ready

Why It Matters

Every community in the U.S. must be ready to respond to a pandemic, natural disaster, or chemicalor radiological release. Our action – or inaction – in this area directly impacts the health of the American people and is a matter of national security.

A Well Prepared Country:

Can stop outbreaks before they become epidemics

Can get help to people affected by natural disasters

Can quickly recognize and respond to terrorist attacks

Is fortified against the expected, and can quickly pivot to handle the unexpected

Why CDC?

CDC’s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response is uniquely positioned to:

Prepare: We make sure people are trained, systems are functioning, and critical medicines and supplies are available before an emergency strikes.

Respond: We combine emergency management expertise and the world’s best scientists to monitor and respond to emergencies 24/7.

Connect: We have a track record of working effectively with state and local health departments, federal partners, and across CDC to get fast results and communicate accurate and timely information when lives are at stake.

Public Health Threats

Biological threats like viruses (flu or other infectious diseases), bacteria, parasites, fungi or their toxins that can cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants.